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    Home » Mains

    Vegan Fish

    Published: Oct 25, 2022 · Updated: Oct 25, 2022 by Mitch and Justine · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to recipe
    Vegan fish pin.

    Vegan fish features ingredients like hearts of palm, nori, panko breadcrumbs, and Old Bay seasoning. Dunk these crispy, crunchy fillets in vegan tartar sauce, or serve them alongside homemade "chips" for a classic British meal made plant-based.

    Vegan fish on a plate with dipping sauce.
    Vegan fried fish is made for tartar sauce!
    Table of Contents
    • ❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe
    • 🐟 What is vegan fish?
    • 💛 What are hearts of palm?
    • 🍺 Which type of beer is best for beer batter?
    • 📜 History
    • 🛒 Ingredients & substitutions
    • 📝 How to make vegan fried fish
    • 🍟 What to serve with vegan fish
    • 🍽️ How to eat vegan fish
    • 🌡️ Storage & reheating
    • ♻️ Variations
    • 🧑‍🍳 Top tips
    • 💬 FAQ
    • 🍴 More vegan meat recipes
    • 📋 Recipe

    ❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe

    • Kid-friendly: Vegan fish and chips are a fun finger food for little ones. Plus, it helps that they look and taste similar to store-bought varieties.
    • Full of flavor: Thanks to the use of ample seasonings, this vegan fish recipe is not short on flavor!
    • Diet-friendly: Naturally dairy and nut-free, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free as well.
    • Easy: From start to finish, the whole dish is ready in under an hour.

    If you like vegan fried fish, you'll love our Ensenada fish tacos, tofu chicken tenders, vegan Spam, vegan fried chicken, and pan-fried tofu.

    🐟 What is vegan fish?

    Vegan fish is a plant-based recipe made to emulate the taste and texture of traditional beer-battered fish fillets.

    Store-bought options are typically made from wheat protein that's been processed with a liquid and thickened. From there, it's tossed with seasonings, molded into the shape of a fillet, coated in batter, and fried.

    There are many variations, utilizing different ingredients, seasonings, and cooking methods. For this vegan fish recipe, we're keeping things simple with a hearts of palm base and a simple beer batter.

    To imitate the "seafood" taste, we add nori and Old Bay seasoning. Truth be told, this vegan fried fish tastes pretty close to the real deal, but we'll let you be the judge of that!

    Vegan fish cut in half.
    Crispy on the outside, yet tender on the inside

    💛 What are hearts of palm?

    Often found in salads and dips, hearts of palm also make an excellent vegan meat replacement. They're a type of white vegetable that is harvested from the core of palm trees.

    Commonly found in the canned vegetable section, hearts of palm are a low-calorie food that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They contain large quantities of potassium, phosphorous, copper, and zinc, and they even have 4 grams of protein per serving!

    Similar to tofu, hearts of palm are mild in flavor, taking on the taste of whatever they are combined with.

    🍺 Which type of beer is best for beer batter?

    The main purpose of mixing beer into batter is to create aeration, which lifts the batter and makes it light and crispy.

    With that said, opt for a light-colored beer like a lager, pale ale, pilsner, or any Mexican-style beer. Dark beer varieties like stouts and porters impart too much flavor. Plus, they will alter the color of the batter.

    Some pubs that specialize in fish and chips occasionally use stronger beer, which matches the potent flavor of certain types of fish.

    Because we've used hearts of palm and mild seasonings, a light beer is best for this recipe!

    Vegan fish on a plate.
    Be patient to achieve a golden brown exterior!

    📜 History

    Fish and chips are firmly entrenched in British food culture, but did you know the real origins have been traced back to 15th-century Portugal?

    Originally made as a way to preserve food for the Sabbath, Sephardic Jews were the first to make battered and fried white fish. When they were run out of Spain and Portugal, they brought their rich cuisine traditions to places like England.

    There are even references to the Jewish way of preserving fish as early as 1781. But, it wasn't until the late 19th century that fried fish exploded in popularity amongst the masses.

    Fast forward to today, and there are now thousands of fish and chip shops all over England and the rest of the world!

    Hearts of palm, salt, pepper, old bay, beer, nori, onion, garlic, baking powder, bread crumbs, cornstarch, and flour on a table.
    Hearts of palm come in a can or a jar

    🛒 Ingredients & substitutions

    For the fish

    • Hearts of palm: Used to create a flaky fish-like texture. If you can't find hearts of palm, canned artichoke hearts, canned young jackfruit, and canned banana blossoms work as well.
    • Breadcrumbs: Regular panko or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs provide texture and act as a binder in this vegan fish recipe. If you don't have panko, use crushed saltine crackers (reduce the salt in the rest of the recipe).
    • Nori sheets: Roasted seaweed sheets give this recipe a distinct "fishy" taste. They can usually be found in most grocery stores, but you'll definitely be able to find some in any Asian food market.
    • Seasonings: Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper add classic seafood flavors, just like the real deal. For a slightly more vibrant taste, replace the regular black pepper with lemon pepper.

    For the batter

    • Flour: We use regular all-purpose flour, but a 1:1 gluten-free blend can be substituted if needed.
    • Cornstarch: Used to create a crispy, golden-brown crust. Cornstarch is key in preventing the coating from turning soggy.
    • Baking powder: Helps to lighten the batter, making it extra tender.
    • Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper enhance the savoriness of the batter.
    • Beer: The CO2 in beer also creates an airy batter texture. Our go-to variety is Modelo, but just remember to choose any light-colored beer. To keep this recipe non-alcoholic, use sparkling water instead.

    For frying

    • Oil: Any neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, peanut, safflower, or canola oil will work.

    For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

    📝 How to make vegan fried fish

    Step 1: Combine the fish ingredients

    Add the hearts of palm, panko, nori sheets, and seasonings to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the mixture sticks together, leaving some chunks.

    Bread crumbs, seasonings, palm hearts, and nori in a food processor.
    You can roughly chop the hearts of palm
    Blended ingredients in a food processor.
    Don't pulse for too long!

    Step 2: Form the fillets

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, measure out 3-4 tablespoons of the fish mixture at a time, and use your hands to form a "fish fillet" shape.

    Vegan fish stick in a hand.
    Round the corners with your fingers
    Vegan fish on a baking sheet.
    Chill the fillets to set the mixture

    Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet, and repeat the process until all of the fish mixture is gone. Transfer the baking sheet to your fridge to chill.

    Step 3: Mix the beer batter

    Pour a few inches of oil into a deep pot, and warm it over medium heat. In the meantime, whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.

    Beer batter in a bowl.
    Whisk the dry ingredients first
    Mixed beer batter in a bowl.
    It should be a pancake batter consistency

    Gently pour 1 cup of light beer into the mixture, and stir until a pancake-like batter is formed. You may need to add slightly more beer, but start small.

    Step 4: Coat the fish fillets

    Once the oil has reached a temperature of 350-375 degrees F, remove the fish fillets from the fridge and dip them into the batter. Use a fork to flip the fish filets over, making sure they are completely coated.

    Fish dredged in beer batter.
    Use a fork to turn it over
    Vegan fish on a spoon covered in batter.
    Let the excess batter drip off

    Step 5: Fry the fish

    Transfer the battered fish to the pot of hot oil. Working in small batches of 2-3, fry your vegan fish for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they're golden brown.

    Vegan fish frying in a pot of oil.
    Make sure to fry them on both sides

    Step 6: Drain and serve

    Transfer the vegan fried fish fillets to a wire rack over a baking sheet or a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Once slightly cooled, serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Happy eating!

    Vegan fish on a plate.
    Serve vegan fried fish with fresh herbs and lemon

    If you have questions about this vegan fish recipe, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!

    🍟 What to serve with vegan fish

    For a complete meal, serve your vegan fish alongside dishes like these:

    • Crispy potato wedges: For the "chip" portion of fish and chips.
    • Chickpea fries: Crispy, crunchy, and high in plant-based protein.
    • Baked buffalo cauliflower wings: Perfectly poppable and incredibly addictive.
    • Air fryer sweet potatoes: Crispy sweet potato cubes ready in mere minutes.

    🍽️ How to eat vegan fish

    Commonly served as finger food, vegan fish and chips are a meal on their own. However, we like to spruce them up by dipping ours in vegan tartar sauce, ranch, or even guacamole!

    If you've got picky eaters, try serving them alongside ketchup — they won't even think twice!

    🌡️ Storage & reheating

    Vegan fried fish is best served hot and crispy. However, leftovers can easily be saved to enjoy later on. Follow these storage tips to keep them fresh:

    • Fridge: Once cooled, place your vegan fish in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
    • Freezer: If you plan on freezing this fish recipe, leave the beer batter off. First, freeze the sticks on a lined baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container or sealable bag for up to 3 months.
    • Reheating: When you're ready to eat, mix up the batter and cook them the same way you would fresh vegan fish. If they are already battered, reheat them in your oven for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees F or in a skillet with a bit of oil.
    Vegan fish dipping into tartar sauce.
    Try to stop at just one!

    ♻️ Variations

    • Make a sandwich: Layer individual pieces of vegan fish on a bun, or use the mixture to create patties for fish sandwiches.
    • Seasonings: Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. For a lighter, zesty flavor, swap out the black pepper with lemon pepper. Kick it up a notch with a dash of cayenne. Or, add fresh dill to the fish mixture.
    • Tofu: For an even quicker meal, dip tofu pieces into the batter, and fry them as usual.
    • Alcohol-free: If you prefer no alcohol, use sparkling water instead of beer for a more kid-friendly batter.
    • Gluten-free: Replace the all-purpose flour, panko, and beer with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, gluten-free panko, and gluten-free beer.

    🧑‍🍳 Top tips

    • Don't over-mix the ingredients: Pulse the "fish" ingredients in the food processor until they just stick together, making sure to leave some chunks.
    • Handle gently: The fish fillets are delicate, so handle them with care when dipping them in the batter.
    • Add more beer: If your batter is not forming a slightly thick and tacky pancake-like consistency, mix in an additional tablespoon of beer or sparkling water until the desired texture is reached.
    • Work in batches: Lay the fish fillets in a single layer on your pan, leaving room between them. Fry in batches so they are not overcrowded in the pot. Nobody wants soggy fish and chips!
    • Measure your fish mixture: Do not use more than 3-4 tablespoons at a time for each fish stick. If you do, they will be too heavy and will not fry properly.
    • Use the right beer: For a light, flakey batter texture, opt for light beer, and make sure it's ice-cold!
    • Use a thermometer: For the best results, use a deep-fry thermometer to make sure the oil is hot enough and maintains a consistent temperature throughout.

    💬 FAQ

    Can I bake vegan fish?

    They won't be quite as crisp, but baked vegan fish fillets are a much healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F, and bake them for roughly 40 minutes in a single layer, flipping halfway.

    Can vegan fish be made in the air fryer?

    We haven't tested the recipe this way, but it should work! Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F, and cook your fish for 5 minutes. Flip and cook them for another 5 minutes, or until they're golden and crispy.

    Does the alcohol cook out of the batter?

    Beer boils off at a temperature of 212 degrees F. However, given that this vegan fish is cooked fairly quickly, some of the alcohol will remain. For an alcohol-free option, use sparkling water.

    🍴 More vegan meat recipes

    If you enjoyed this vegan fish recipe, be sure to check out some more meat alternatives like these:

    • Vegan birria tacos: Corn tortillas stuffed with oyster mushrooms and plant-based cheese.
    • Air fryer quesadillas: A quick and easy weeknight dinner.
    • Jackfruit carnitas: Fresh corn tortillas filled with citrus-infused pulled jackfruit.
    • Lentil sloppy joes: A childhood favorite made with plant-based protein.

    📋 Recipe

    Vegan fish.

    Crispy Beer-Battered Vegan Fish

    Mitch and Justine
    Vegan fish features ingredients like hearts of palm, nori, and Old Bay seasoning. Dunk these crispy, crunchy fillets in tartar sauce, or serve them alongside homemade "chips" for a classic British meal made plant-based.
    5 from 38 votes
    Prevents your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine American, Vegan
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 116 kcal

    Equipment

    • Food processor
    • Large mixing bowl
    • Baking sheet
    • Deep pot

    Ingredients
     

    US Customary - Metric

    Fish

    • 1 15- ounce can hearts of palm, drained & quartered
    • ½ cup panko bread crumbs
    • 1 teaspoon crumbled nori sheets
    • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    Batter

    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup cornstarch
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 cup light beer*, plus more as needed

    For frying

    • ~1-2 cups neutral vegetable oil

    For serving optional

    • Vegan tartar sauce

    Instructions
     

    Fish

    • In a food processor, pulse the hearts of palm, panko, nori, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until the mixture sticks together. Be careful not to mix too much as you want some chunks left behind.
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then measure out about 3-4 tablespoons of the mixture. Use your hands to form a fish fillet shape, and place the fish on the parchment-lined pan.
    • Repeat the same process until all the mixture is gone (you should get about 5-6 pieces out of this recipe). Transfer the tray of vegan fish fillets to your fridge while you prepare the batter.

    Batter

    • Add a few inches of oil to a deep pot, and heat it over medium. Use a deep-fry thermometer for the most consistent results.
    • Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper together in a large mixing bowl.
    • Stir in 1 cup of beer/sparkling water, or enough to create a pancake batter-like consistency. Add more beer 1 tablespoon at a time until you achieve the right consistency.

    Frying

    • Once the oil temperature reaches 350-375°F (or a piece of batter floats to the top), dip the fish fillets in the batter and cover all sides.
    • Pick them up with a fork to drain excess batter, then add them to the pot. Fry in small batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
    • Transfer to a wire rack over top of a baking sheet, or a paper towel-lined plate while you fry the rest. Serve warm with a side of vegan tartar sauce. Happy eating!

    Notes

    • Don't over-mix the ingredients: Pulse the "fish" ingredients in the food processor until they just stick together, making sure to leave some chunks.
    • Handle gently: The fish fillets are delicate, so handle them with care when dipping them in the batter.
    • Add more beer: If your batter is not forming a slightly thick and tacky pancake-like consistency, mix in an additional tablespoon of beer or sparkling water until the desired texture is reached.
    • Work in batches: Lay the fish fillets in a single layer on your pan, leaving room between them. Fry in batches so they are not overcrowded in the pot. Nobody wants soggy fish and chips!
    • Measure your fish mixture: Do not use more than 3-4 tablespoons at a time for each fish stick. If you do, they will be too heavy and will not fry properly.
    • Use the right beer: For a light, flakey batter texture, opt for light beer, and make sure it's ice-cold!
    • Use a thermometer: For the best results, use a deep-fry thermometer to make sure the oil is hot enough and maintains a consistent temperature throughout.
    • Nutritional information is a rough estimate and should not be taken as health advice.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 24.1g | Protein: 1.7g | Fat: 1.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 477.8mg | Potassium: 26.9mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 62.1IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 31.5mg | Iron: 0.8mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jen

      October 27, 2022 at 7:29 am

      5 stars
      I really enjoyed this recipe!! Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
      • Mitch and Justine

        October 27, 2022 at 3:27 pm

        Hey Jen,

        We are so glad you liked it! Thanks for leaving a comment 🙂

        Reply

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    Mitch & Justine

    Hey, we're Mitch & Justine! We've been vegan for over 9 years, and we love to share feel-good plant-based recipes. Find out how a couple of RNs from Canada became full-time food bloggers! Tell me more →

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